Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 2007)

Beth’s nightmare began when a man broke down the door to her home, then held her captive for two days, repeatedly beating and violating her. Finally, she was able to call for help. While she reported her case to the police, advocates from the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center came to her home to provide comfort and support.

Beth (not her real name) is among the one in four women in Colorado who are sexually assaulted each year. Sexual violence also affects 1 in 17 men.

“When you consider the victims’ family members, partners, friends, and other people they’re close to, you see that sexual violence affects a very large group and has a big impact on the community,” says Alanna Sherstad, executive director of SAVA.

SAVA was established in 1976 to serve anyone who has been affected by sexual assault. The organization also works to reduce sexual violence through education.

Trained volunteers staff SAVA’s 24-hour rape crisis hotline, providing crisis intervention and supporting victims throughout the medical and criminal justice processes. Volunteers assist a survivor’s family, friends and co-workers, too, by teaching that they can help best by supporting the victim through his or her own journey to recovery.

SAVA volunteers also work with local teens and college students to present “Until Someone Wakes Up,” a prevention play based on true stories that explore sexual assault issues and causes of sexual violence.

“I wanted to bring a different type of education into our schools and involve students in the production,” Sherstad says. “Those students then become safe resources for other students who may be victims. The play opens a door to talk about something that’s really hard to talk about.”

Participants and audience members learn that victims often experience nightmares and struggle to cope with everyday life. “Victims may also lose their self-esteem,” Sherstad says. “It’s critical for them to find their voice and feel empowered and in control of their life again.”

With SAVA’s help, Beth took the steps necessary to seek justice and heal. At her assailant’s sentencing, surrounded by SAVA staff and members of her support group, Beth stood and told the courtroom how the assault had impacted her life.

“All parts of the system came together to make sure her voice was heard,” Sherstad says.